Ever since the first National Folk Festival was held here in 1934, St. Louis has served as an ambassador for the eclectic mix of music called folk. So it's fitting that KDHX, the Sheldon and St. Louis serve as the host for the Folk & Roots Festival, now in its third year.

Putting a contemporary, jazzy spin on the driving bluegrass sound, Blue Canyon Boys will appeal to fans of dyed-in-the-wool old-time country and lovers of acoustic music in general. The honky-tonkin' "Heartaches Welcome" is the Colorado band at its pickin' and harmonizin' best.

There's nothing quite like a driving, wailing, sawing, old-time fiddle track. Old Buck, featuring Riley Baugus on banjo and vocals and Emily Schaad on fiddle, delivers just that on the classic tune "Chilly Winds."

Among up-and-coming old-time and Americana artists, Betse Ellis is surely one of the most versatile. A deft songwriter, accomplished fiddler and a moving singer, Ellis draws on influences ranging from John Hartford to the Clash. "Golden Road," from her 2013 album "High Moon Order," finds the Kansas City-based musician in a reflective, lush, pedal steel-dappled mood.